Cleaning implement



T. .J. MCCAFFREY CLEANING IMPLEMENT Filed Sept. 50, 1927 2 Sheets-.Sheefl l TJ/mjjrfy r O I attozmfj March 18, 1930.

March 1s, 1930. T. J. MCCAFFREY 1,751,415

I CLEANING IMPLEMENT Filed sept. 3o, 1927 sheets-sheet 2 anngnnnngngnpn van x nnuunuunu A TTORNE Y.

Patented Mar.v '18, 1930 y Application led September rI'his invention. relates to cleaning implements'and it is an ob'ect of the invention to provide a device of t is kind which may be used to advantage in cleaning out water closets, water pipes, waste pipes, and which may also be employed by electricians in guiding and drawing wires through conduit pipes.

Itis also an object of the invention to provide a device of this kind comprising a exible rod together with a guide member for use in connection with the iexible` rod to facilitate the use of the device and to avoid strain on the rod and which also provides means whereby the device in its entirely may be conveniently manipulated.

The invention consists in the details of construction and in the combinationand arrangement of the several parts of my improved cleaning implement whereby certain important advantages are attained and the device rendered simpler, less expensive and otherwise more convenient and advantageous :for use, as will be hereinafter more fully set forth. v

The novel features of my invention will hereinafter be definitely claimed.

lin order that my yinvention may be the better understood, I will now proceed to describe thesame with reference to the accompanying drawing, wherein l Figure 1 is a view in elevation illustrating a cleaning device constructed in accordance with an embodiment of my invention and shown in position for cleaning out the trap of a closet bowl, said closet bowl being diagrammatically indicated by broken lines;

Figure 2 is a view in elevation with portions broken away of the flexible rod as herein disclosed and the parts directly associated therewith; n

Figure 3 is a sectional view taken longitudinally through the guide member for'use in connection with the flexible rod;

Figure 4 is a fragmentary view partly in section and partly in elevation illustrating a further embodiment ofthe invention;

Figure 5 is a view in elevation with parts in section illustrating a cleaning implement 'canaux-Nef FBEY; 'vor SE'ZATTLE. WAsHniGroir I ed, 1.9217. yseriali in. eazoa.

constructed in accordance with a still further embodiment of the invention;

l AFigure 6 is a fragmentary elevational view illustrating a modified form of head;

Figure 7 is a view in side elevation of an- 65 other form of head;

Figure 8 is a View in top plan of the structure illustrated in Figure 7;

Figure 9 is a view of another type of iexible cleaning member;

Figure 10 is a view partly in elevation and partly in section vof a handle adapted to be used 1n connection with my improved cleaning device;

Figure 11 is an elevational view of a ur- 65 ther type of handle member;

Figure 12 is a view partlyin section and partly in elevation of a container particularly adapted for use in connection with the form of invention illustrated in Figure 4;

Figure 13 is an elevational view illustrating a still further modified form of my invention.

As herein disclosed, R denotes a flexible rod of desired length and which is formed 75 from a single strand of material coiled to provide a tubular body, adjacent coils bein 1n close proximity one to the other. One en portion or extremity of the rod R is of increased diameter, as indicated at 1.

The outer coils of the enlarged portion 1 are soldered or otherwise secured to an outstanding shank 2, indicated by broken lines in Figure 2, carried by a ferrule or socket member 3. Mounted in the ferrule or socket 85 member 3 is a ball 4 having free rotation within the socket member yet effectively held by the socket member against displacement. This ball 4 readily rolls along'the inner wall of a trap, pipe or the like with unhindered 90 travel over any rough places which may be on such wall or kindred surface.

Suitably secured to a ball a within the portion of increased diameter of the rod is anend portion of a wire or strand 5 which 95 extends through the rod R and has its opposite end portion secured to the shank 6 carried by the head 7. As is articularly illustrated in Figure 2, it is to e noted that the shank 6 extends within the adjacent end of 100 the rod R.l This wire or strand 5, in conncction with the ball a and the head 7, serves to hold the rod R against expansion and thereby preventing the coils thereof from spreading apart and breaking. The spaced coils a adjacent to the ferrule or socket member 3 enables the said end portion of the rod R to compress when the rod is rolled up or coiled as the contraction afforded by said coils a will take all strain from the wire or strand 5 when the rod R is so rolled or coiled.

The enlarged portion 1 provides at its inner end a shoulder 8 with which abuts a sleeve or collar 9 mounted on and tightly fitting the enlarged portion 12 of the rod R. This sleeve or collar 9 has its inner face substantially fiat and extending outwardly from said innervor flattened face are a plurality of elongated cleaning claws 10, herein disclosed as comprising spiral rods. These claws or members 10 are arranged in an annular series surrounding the rod R and when at rest are disposed on an outward incline with respect to the rod R. These' flexible members or claws 10 serve to provide effective means to assure the cleaning out of traps, pipes or the like due to the fact that as the rod R is forced inwardly of the trap or pipe said members or claws will offer no undue hindrance as the rod passes through any obstruction within the trap or pipe or, on the other hand, will expand as outward pull is imposed upon the rod and thereby assuring effective engagement with such obstruction.

The collar 9 has screw engagement with the enlarged portion 1 of the rod R but is free to slide along the adjacent reduced portion of the rod upon unthreading the collar 9 from the portion 1.

To facilitate the use of the rod R, I find it of advantage to provide the guide member G which, as herein disclosed, comprises a tube of fixed formation including an intermediate straight portion 11 continued at one end by a curved extension or neck 12 and which at its opposite end is disposed laterally with respect to the intermediate or bottom portion 11 to provide a convenient hand hold or grip 14. The inner portion of the hand hold or grip l14 is provided in a wall thereof with an opening 15 providing ready communication with the bore of the body or main portion 11 of the member G so.. that the rod R may be readily inserted through said opening 15 through the bore of the main or body portion 11 of the member G and out through the extension or neck 12. When the rod R is in applied position with respect to the member Gr, it may be readily moved backward or forward as the occasions of practice may require.

While I have hereinbefore particularly referred to the use of my improved rod for the cleaning out of traps, pipes and the like,

it is to be understood that it can be empolyed with equal facility by electricians in guiding and drawing wires through conduit pipes and may also be used in cleaning out oil pipes and the like comprised in motor vehicle structures.

In the embodiment of my invention as illustrated in Figure 4, a flexible portion 1a is provided of any desired length and which is provided at its outer end portion with a ferrule or socket member 3a carrying a ball 4B. The opposite end portion of the member 1 has secured thereto an elongated head 16 having its outer portion provided with an axial bore 17 closed at its inner end. In communication with thc closed end portion of the bore 17 are the jet openings 18 disposed at an outward incline. The opposite or outer end portion of the head 16 is adapted to have suitably coupled thereto an end portion of the hose 19. This hose 19 is adapted to have connection with the outer end portion of a pipe 20 extending within a suitable receptacle 21 of glass or other desired material (Figure 12). This recept-acle 21 is adapted to contain a solvent to destroy all germ matter in pipes and create a higher sanitar condition in all sewer and waste pipes, in pu lic and private buildings.

The receptacle 21 also has extending therein a pipe 22 terminating adjacent to the bottom of the receptacle 21, the outer end portion of which is adapted to be suitably connected with suitable supply of water under pressure, whereby the liquid contained within the receptacle 21 will be forced out through the pipe 22 through the hose 19 and ejected through the openings 18.

If preferred, however, the hose 19 may be connected with a source of hot water under pressure or steam to provide means to effectively free a waste pipe of heavy stoppage.

In the embodiment of the invention as illustrated in Figure 5, the outer enlarged portion of the rod R is securely attached to the ferrule 8 which is provided with an outstanding threaded shank 23 to permit a ball and socket head 24 to be detached and replaced by different heads as illustrated in Figures 6, 7 and 8.

Arranged within the rod R is a cord or wire 5 having one en d portion secured to the butt end of the rod R while the opposite end portion carries a ball 5a as illustrated in Figure 5 by broken lines. This ball 5i is arranged in the outer enlarged portion of the rod R. and is free to move lengthwise therein. The diameter of this ball 5, however, is suchas to prevent its entrance within the adjacent reduced portion of the rod R. This arrangement at the outer end portion of the wire 5" vprovides for the expansion of the rod when coiled or rolled up.

The wire or strand 5 in Figure 1 has its outer portion arranged similar to that set forth with respect to the wire or strand The head 24 is provided at its lower portion with the laterally disposed hook members 25 which can-be employed to advantage in extracting hair and lint that may form 1n the small plpes leadin from kitchen sinks,'

Wash basins and bath tu s. .Also the head 24 with its hook members 26 at the upper portion thereof is adapted to be employed for ral strands 28 and surrounded at the outer or working ends by a ferrule 29. The strands 28 project beyond the ferrule 29 whereby an effective brushing element is provided. Cleaning claws, such as illustrated in Figure 9, are of special advantage to remove grease and other solid matter.

In Figure 5, I illustrate an embodiment of the invention wherein the rod R may be readily forced through solid obstructions and around large bends. As disclosed in said Figure 5, an operating member is provided comprising an elongated tubular sleeve 30 provided at its outer end portion with the oppositely directed and laterally disposed handle members 31. The opposite end portion of the sleeve 30 is continued by a flexible sleeve 32 herein disclosed as formed from a single strand of material coiled to provide a tubular body. The outer end portion of the sleeve 32 carries a ferrule 33 having its periphery rounded to enable the flexible sleeve 32 to readily pass around a bend such, for example, as comprised within a closet bowl, and more especially when it is desired to employ the sleeves 30 and 32 independently of the rod R. The ferrule 32 is also provided with the laterally projecting hook member 34 to facilitate removal of obstructions.

The rod R is adapted to beinserted 'through the sleeves 32 and 30 and locked against movement through said sleeves by a clamping screw 35 threaded through the sleeve 30 for requisite contact with the adjacent portion of the applied rod R. When the rod R is so mounted, effective pressure may be imposed upon said rod by the operator grasping the handles 31.

In Figure 10 is illustrated a hollow handle member 36 which may be employed when desired in connection with the flexible rod and in which event the rod is inserted through the member 36. One end of lthe bore of the handle member 36 is reduced with its wall threaded, as at 37 whereby it is assured the clamping screw 38 will hold the handle member 36 at desired position, along A the flexible rod.

kUnder certain conditions it may be neces# sary to impart rotary movement to the rod. e 1n order to effect the desired cleaning action and also to require the services of two operators. In Figure 11 is illustrated a crank handle 39 provided with a threaded socket 40 in which anend portion of the cleaning rod is adapted to be clamped by a screw 41 While the opposite end portion of the handle 39 is rovided With a conventional knob 42. hile one operator is imposing pressure by contact l with the knob 42, a second operator can manipulate the'crank 39 to effect the desired rotation of the cleaning rod. Under certain conditions a similar operation can be effected by one person.

In the embodiment of the invention as illustrated in Figure 13, the flexible portion 1* is provided at its outer end `with the detachable ball carrying head 24a and the opposite endy portionis secured to the head 40. This head 40 is fixed to an end portion of an elongated heavy flat rod or wire143 the butt end of which being provided with an eye-member 44 to which is adapted to be secureda lead Wire or cord for the purpose of running electric wires or the like through long conduits,-

etc.

From the foregoing description it is thought to be obvious that a cleaning implement constructed in accordance with my invention is particularly well adapted for use by reason of the convenience and facility with which it may be assembled and operated, and it Will also be obvious that my invention is susceptible of some change and modification Without departing from the principles andvspirit thereof andfor this reason I do not wish to be understood as limiting myself to the precise arrangement and formatlon of the several parts herein shown in carrying out my invention in practice except as hereinafter claimed.

A I claim y A 1. An implement of the class described comprising an elongated flexible rod, an endl portlon of the rod being of increased diameter, a ferrule engaged with the rod and abutting the inner end of the portion of the rod of increased diameter, and flexible claws carlos ried by the ferrule and extending outwardly fromthe rod.

2. An implement of the class described comprising an elongated flexible rod, an end portion of the rod being of increased diameter, a ferrule engaged with the rod and abutting the inner end of the portion of the rod of increased diameter, andflexible claws carried by the ferrule and extending outwardly from the rod, said claws normally diverging` from the ferrule.

3. An implement of the class. described comprising an elongated flexible rod, an end lso portion of the rod being of increased diameter, a. ferrule engaged with the rod and abutting the inner end of the portion of the rod of increased diameter, and flexible claws carried bythe ferrule and extending outwardly from the rod, said rod comprisin a coil, said coil permitting the ferrule to e threaded thereon.

In testimony whereof I hereunto aix my signature.

THOMAS J. MCCAFFREY. 

